Saturday, March 26, 2022

Thank you, Baer

"Falling Down" - North East Street, Amherst
Photo by Baer Tierkel

This must be

   my birthday there

      in paradise

~ Gasan Jōseki's death poem, c. 1320 BCE

 

Our community lost Baer Tierkel yesterday, a man who was generous in every way, a true mensch, joyful, a leader, a devoted husband and father, and a friend to so many. He lived life to its fullest. You will hear many accolades in the days to come, and we would like to add one more - he was also an amazing, talented photographer. This image of Baer's was the featured photo for November in the 2016 Head in the Clouds Amherst calendar. In just one photograph, he managed to tell the entire story of fall in New England, from the brilliant colors of the hills in the distance, to the sunflowers in the foreground, well past harvest, bowing to the inevitable passage of the season. He titled this photo, very simply, "Falling Down."

Thank you for bringing us the world through your eyes and your spirit, Baer. Your "birthday there in paradise" must surely be a whole community, New Orleans-style second line celebration. 🎺🎷🎻

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